Build Your MSP To Run Without You | Brian Hoppe, MBA, PCC | Ep. 2

Could your MSP keep growing if you stepped away? MSP coach and former owner Brian Hoppe joins Brad Powell and Kylan Cleveland on Crow’s Nest Podcast to explore building a business that serves your life—and keeps improving without you. Brian shares lessons from his journey through technical work, operations, finance, ownership, and a private equity exit. Along the way, he explains why hiring more people doesn’t automatically create a leadership team—and how an owner’s personal growth can shape the future of the business. FROM TECHNICIAN TO OWNER TO COACH Brian helped grow an IT services business to around 45 people before later becoming an MSP owner and selling that business to private equity at the end of 2021. Peer groups, EOS, and executive coaching helped shape his approach. Today, he helps MSP owners build more valuable companies with less dependence on the person at the top. His test: how long could you go completely off-grid while your business continues to improve? IN THIS EPISODE • Thinking like a shareholder and defining what you want from your business • Building leaders as your MSP grows • Delegating authority, decisions, and client relationships • Preparing for an exit before you’re ready to sell • Setting non-negotiables for your team, clients, and role after a sale • Navigating due diligence and cybersecurity risk • Exploring AI’s potential and the enduring value of customer relationships • Managing your energy and building a life beyond work • Hiring for culture and tracking services gross margin WHO SHOULD WATCH? MSP owners, founders, and leadership teams looking to reduce owner dependence, strengthen profitability, or prepare for an eventual exit. Brian’s message: the work that makes your business more valuable can also make it more enjoyable to run. THE FINAL SLICE 🍰 We finish with Brian’s favorite chocolate cake—the one his wife, Lucy, makes. Brad tries his hand at baking it, Brian brings his own, and Kylan joins with coffee. Expect different cake pans, plenty of chocolate, and a very strong stance on coconut. Because a great conversation deserves a great ending. CONNECT WITH BRIAN Brian Hoppe — MSP Coach & Former MSP Owner https://brianhoppe.com/   / brianhoppe   Brian’s MSP podcast: https://brianhoppe.com/podcast/ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE • HTG / Evolve peer groups • EOS — Entrepreneurial Operating System • The Pumpkin Plan for MSPs • The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership • The Power of Full Engagement ABOUT CROW’S NEST PODCAST Hosted by Brad Powell and Kylan Cleveland, Crow’s Nest features candid conversations with MSP owners, founders, and sales leaders about building businesses, winning customers, and lessons earned on the front lines. Subscribe for more conversations on MSP growth, sales, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Learn more or apply to be a guest: https://crowsnestpodcast.com/ #MSPGrowth #MSPLeadership #CrowsNestPodcast